Wisconsin Power and Light (WP&L), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corp., has purchased the development rights to the Cedar Ridge Wind Farm, previously owned and developed by Midwest Wind Energy (MWE).

The proposed 80 MW to 100 MW wind farm, located in the townships of Eden and Empire in Fond du Lac County, Wis., will consist of approximately 40 wind turbines across 12.2 square miles of land.

"We are pleased to take this step towards making Cedar Ridge Wind Farm WP&L's first owned wind farm in its generation portfolio," says Kim Zuhlke, vice president of new energy resources for WP&L. "Cedar Ridge Wind Farm will help us meet Wisconsin's growing need for electricity with clean, renewable, locally owned energy."

Cedar Ridge has been under development since 2004 by MWE, which was able to complete preliminary permits including zoning, land use agreements and environmental studies.

Cedar Ridge will begin commercial operation either in late 2007 or 2008.